Delores 'Dee' Ann Witcher, Beloved Brownwood Daycare Provider, Dies at 73

Witcher ran an in-home daycare for over 40 years and was an active volunteer in the community.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Delores 'Dee' Ann Murrell Witcher, a longtime resident of Brownwood, Texas, passed away at the age of 73. Witcher was born in Rotan, Texas in 1953 and grew up in Jayton before moving to Lubbock, where she met her husband. The couple later settled in Brownwood to be closer to Witcher's parents. Witcher operated an in-home daycare for over 40 years, caring for over 100 children. She was also an active volunteer in the community, devoting time to the Brownwood High School Band Boosters, Lake Cisco Christian Camp, her local church, and other organizations.

Why it matters

Witcher's passing marks the end of an era for Brownwood's tight-knit community, as she was a beloved figure who dedicated decades of her life to caring for local children and supporting various community initiatives. Her commitment to family, faith, and service left a lasting impact on those she encountered.

The details

Witcher was born on February 8, 1953 in Rotan, Texas and grew up as the youngest of six children in Jayton. She later moved to Lubbock, where she met her husband, Buddy Witcher. The couple married in 1978 and settled in Littlefield, Texas before relocating to Brownwood in 1980 to be closer to Witcher's retired parents. For over 40 years, Witcher operated an in-home daycare, caring for more than 100 children over that time period. She was also an avid sports fan, especially of the Dallas Cowboys, and a talented crafter, calligrapher, and artist. Witcher and her husband were devoted volunteers for various local organizations.

  • Delores 'Dee' Ann Murrell Witcher was born on February 8, 1953 in Rotan, Texas.
  • Witcher married her husband, Buddy Witcher, on October 27, 1978 in Lubbock, Texas.
  • Witcher and her husband moved to Brownwood, Texas in 1980 to be closer to her retired parents.
  • Witcher operated an in-home daycare for over 40 years, caring for more than 100 children.
  • Witcher passed away on February 21, 2026.

The players

Delores 'Dee' Ann Murrell Witcher

A longtime resident of Brownwood, Texas who operated an in-home daycare for over 40 years and was an active volunteer in the community.

Buddy Witcher

Delores Witcher's husband, with whom she was married for over 40 years and volunteered extensively in the Brownwood community.

James 'Edd' and Gladys Murrell

Delores Witcher's parents, who retired to Brownwood, Texas.

Jason Witcher

Delores and Buddy Witcher's son, who lives in Brownwood with his wife Ashleigh and their children.

Amber Gaudette

Delores and Buddy Witcher's daughter, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband Tim and their daughter.

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The takeaway

Delores 'Dee' Ann Witcher's passing marks the end of an era for Brownwood's tight-knit community, as she was a beloved figure who dedicated decades of her life to caring for local children and supporting various community initiatives. Her commitment to family, faith, and service left a lasting impact on those she encountered.